Chia lagoon has for the past years experienced serious loss of fish biodiversity. For instance, Chambo species which also known as a maternal mouthbrooding cichlids a subgenus Nyasalapia of the genus Oreochromis is experiencing a serious threat of extinction. Studies have shown that three closely related tilapiine cichlid namely Oreochromis karongae, Oreochromis lidole and Oreochromis squamipinnis are not found anywhere else apart from Lake Malawi, Chia lagoon , Lake Malombe and Upper Shire River (Banda et al, 2005; Lewis, 1990; Trewavas, 1983). It has been discovered that most of these major fish species for instance Chambo are mostly found in shallow waters such as Chia lagoon where water depth is less than 50m and very few found in waters deeper than 50m (Turner, 1996, Palsson, et al 1999). The species usually establish their nursery grounds in various shallow waters such as lakeshore inlets, river mouths, reedy shores as well as rocky and sandy shores (Palsson et al, 1999). The fisheries department through catch assessment survey conducted on monthly bases has also revealed that apart from Chambo, the catches of other fish species are also tremendously declining.
The project will be executed by the Environmental Affairs Department (Environmental District Office) and the Department of Fisheries Science (District Fisheries Office). The Environmental District Office mainly coordinates environmental and natural resources management activities at local level through the District Environmental Sub-Committee. Other specific activities includes Conducting environmental education and public awareness campaigns on environment and natural resources, Coordinating district environmental data collection, analysis and documentation, Facilitating establishment and/or strengthening including enhancing the capacity of district, area and village institutions for promotion of environmental education and public awareness on sustainable utilization of natural resources and environmental management, Facilitating preparation and implementation of community environmental projects and Promoting the protection and management of the environment through monitoring compliance to and facilitating enforcement of the Environmental Management Act. Village level action planning is used as a community planning process to collect data and generate projects. This approach employs the use of participatory techniques such as village mapping, transect walks, SWOT analysis and community interviews.
The main objective of the project is to restore the health of fish biodiversity at Chia lagoon while improving the livelihoods of rural communities through an integrated community ?based approach that involves sustainable economic use and management of fishery resources and also provide alternative livelihood to the communities